DJ was way smarter. Even as a freshman.
DJ showed potential as a freshman. And he was better than Ellison. But I think time often makes us look back on players and give them more credit than they really deserve. In BE play, I'm not so sure that DJ and Malik were so far apart. DJ had the benefit of playing in the pre-season games. Ellison only played in two games.
DJ was a far superior player as a freshmen.
I'm not so sure about that. In less minutes, Ellison's numbers weren't far off from DJ's. DJ was better. I'm not debating that at all. But Ellison, from February on, did show improvement.
Both players routinely played in BE games where they were down by a significant amount of points, but I don't think the BE season was so different for either player.
Fair and I am not an Ellison hater in the least, but I didnt take you for a stats guy. Mussini averaged double digits and he is worth about as much to you as a plane ticket to Bismarck
I'm not a straight stats guy. You're right about that. Neither player's stats meant much in terms of helping the team, because both DJ's team and Ellison's were terrible.
One of DJ's better skills was his ability to get in the lane, and either finish or draw contact. He did it from day one. Ellison didn't, but from February on he started to drive with a purpose, he started to pass the ball with some accuracy, and he hit more of his free throws. In December, it looked as if he believed the other team would happily move aside as he dribbled towards the basket.
I think his potential, should he reach it at St.John's will be similar to what DJ did here. Ellison isn't a point guard, but having played the point in February will help the overall development of his game. He was pretty terrible in January, but he went from terrible to mildly promising freshman who could become a good role player for us.
He needs to continue to learn how to play. DJ was further along. Ellison has no clue on defense, he doesn't rebound well at all and he needs to hit the weight room. (As do all of them)